I can tell it’s a really big deal. There are fancy dresses. Suit jackets and ties. A medley of cologne scents and silk flower boutonnières.

We danced. Oh, did we dance.

And I made note of so many things. How nobody cared about the things that didn’t matter and everybody cared about the things that did. Like having fun, making people feel special, stopping to listen. Dancing.

I cried because I was happy, I cried because I am still learning, I cried because my emotions can’t contain that kind of awesome and yes, I cried because there were short moments when I felt sad, and it is important to me to let myself feel those moments when they come. They fuel the passion to be proactive. They fuel growth.

I danced with a young man who told me I was pretty. He held my hand and smiled. He was a good dancer. And when he dipped me at the end of the song, he didn’t let me fall. I felt so much kindness from him and when I finally sat down after we danced, I cried because I knew that he felt we were different. And I wanted to tell him we really weren’t.

There was pure love in the room. The kind that made me sit and watch and take it in.

The amazing thing about feelings is that we possess the reins to our perspective. It is a powerful thing–more powerful than the fate of being differently abled itself–to steer our minds and actions toward where we want them to go. I cannot change the fact that sometimes life is hard, that minds don’t always work like they are supposed to, that accidents happen, that bodies fail us, or that an extra chromosome happens to be present on my daughter’s DNA.

What am I going to do about it? I’m going to rock it. I’m going to raise the roof.

I’m going to find more ways to be kind and to teach my children to be kind, and I am going to ask others to help me do it. I’m going to fight for my kids equally, and I’m going to stop and take time to teach them to have fun. To never stop dancing and loving life, no matter what the rest of the world does around them.

I urge you to find ways to get involved in your community’s programs for differently abled adults. There are numerous programs, support groups and fundraisers for babies and children with special needs, but adult programs are often challenged in finding support. After being present last night, I want to help change this.

And let me tell you something else. That extra chromosome? There are dance genes on it, I am sure of it.

“That will be Nella,” someone said, nodding to this beautiful girl on the dance floor. And it made me smile because this girl was vivacious, happy and, Lord have mercy, could she ever dance.

Someday I want THIS to happen in our community. Regardless of your religious views, it’s an amazing video to watch.

We are all different, but we all deserve the same opportunities to be respected, to be treated kindly and fairly, and to party with the best of them. I was reminded of that last night, and I am so glad my friend invited me to come. It is a night that won’t be forgotten.

For more information on opportunities like this Valentine’s dance, contact your local Civitan organization.

*****

Friday Photo Dump:

Friday Phone Dump photos are taken on the Instagram iPhone app (free) and dropped into a 12×12 collage using a photo editing software (Photoshop Elements works). I am @etst (enjoying the small things) on Instagram if you want to follow the feed.

Comments

Beautiful… I have been to several dances just like that one and they are so much fun and teach you so much–in such a short amount of time. I love every picture and your words that go along with them! You’re wonderful!

I absolutely love your blog, Kelle. I think I’ve only commented once before, but I’ve been a lurker for a long time. I adore your perspectives on life, and they remind me to love my life. I have two disabled daughters (autism), and sometimes the weight of it is overwhelming. You help me to let go of some of that weight, and I appreciate it. Can’t wait to read your book!

About an hour ago, we saw my neighbor’s brother. I adore him. He’s in his 50s and has Down syndrome and never had any therapies or anything as a kid. He always takes time to stop and say hi to Ellie. He always seems to care about the things that SHOULD matter.

I love the honesty of your blogs, highlighting the beauty but also recognising the struggle. I wanted to do a link to your birth story and wondered if you would mind if I used one of your photos from that post when I do the link? Rx

I can’t help but smile when I see that picture of you and sweet Nella! Btw, Shine is amazing. I was privileged to call Flatirons Community Church home when I lived in Colorado, and they truly reflect the heartbeat of Jesus! Thanks for bringing joy to my day!

In honor of this incredibly beautiful post and link I posted a give away on my blog as incentive for my readers to click on this post. I feel this message is really important and I often try to get it across with my Asperger’s posts or any posts on differences. I bawled in the video. Thanks for inspiring me today. I read the news and felt the ugly side of humanity then I read your post and felt the beauty. Thanks!!:) And it fit since I was writing about dancing..just because and then I found your post!:)

okay i cried! because i know exactly what you were talking about through out this post im planning on unschooling my son. and im planning to spend a lot of time at events like this with him and plan on spending a lot of time at retirement homes as well. when i was a little girl in choir we would go to retirement homes to sing and hand out christmas cards and to talk with them. at 10 years old i understand the beauty and the magic in it and couldn’t help but cry even then. those memories have stuck with me and they are fond ones. when i saw the picture of the young woman dancing i thought of Nella too!!!! and she is really really really beautiful that girl! it shines through even from the picture. and the girl in the vest waving hello? she’s gorgeous too! i swear she resembles rachel mcadams! beautiful!!!! thank you for sharing this special moment with <3 i loved all the pictures and the one of you and nella at the end, you are very lucky to have captured such a special moment. oh oh oh alos in your friday photo dump there’s a pic of nella running i think in her funky onesie? I LOVE ITTTTTT! okay im done lol have a great weekend!

The dance looks like it was a lot of fun. They have very similar activities like that one around my neighborhood, through the best buddies organization. Also, the picture with you and Nella is beautiful.

Great post…you made me teary eyed….I will be stealing your terminology….”differently abled” adults…. as I spend some time letting those who are around me know that I NOTICE them and BELIEVE they are worth some of my time and attention. Thank you!

my twin sister has CP and she goes to a weekly program callend ELA where adults with disabilities have fun, learn new things and volunteer in the community. always brings new perspective to my eyes when i go to family events there. humans are humans, no matter our dna or handicap.

Gorgeous post, as always. I have never really been a fan of valentine’s day because I know that so many people often get left out. But if every valentine’s day was as inclusive as yours, it might turn into the best day of the year!

“I felt so much kindness from him and when I finally sat down after we danced, I cried because I knew that he felt we were different. And I wanted to tell him we really weren’t.”

This is where my heart broke. In a good ay, in a way that is pushing me to get out of my conmfort zone and reach out. I will be looking for my waysto be a part of this magic in my community. Thank you feels like a very small thing to say but please know I really really mean it.

Love this post! We don’t know yet what my son’s chromosome change will mean for him, but if it turns out he will always need a little extra help, it’s stuff like this that gives me hope. Different doesn’t mean bad, it just means different. Thanks again for the reminder!

LOVE that little girl in the red shirt, that so will be Nella one day. So full of life. I love how you celebrate every moment, to its fullest. Even if for no reason, cause they deserve it 😉 you are such an inspiration.

I work with the special needs adults in my church every Thursday night. Dancing, singing, magic shows, sometimes just a lesson about Jesus.No one is ever judged. No one cares if I wear makeup or not. God bless em. Then every Saturday morning I get about 12 of the ones in my near bye neighborhood and they bowl. and they laugh, and they bowl another game and I have to tell them to quit laughing so much cause I have to get home and do some Saturday stuff. I am a lucky mother of a special needs 21 yr. old. And I thank God for her.Love, love love your blog! Can’t wait for your book!

I just want to say “THANK YOU” for this post. There are so many people that forget about thier brother/sister/relative that have developmental disabilities once they have been put into a group home. My uncle was developmentally disabled and was one of the lucky ones, whose family went to get him for every holiday, visited on the weekends and throughout the week, etc. It was amazing how a quick hug, or better yet, taking ice cream to some of the other guys in the home could make their whole week better. In my community, there is currently a developmental center that is going to be shut down in a few months because of state budget constraints, and it pains me to think of what is going to happen to all the wonderful people who will be without a home. Again, Thank you for this post!

Oh my goodness…when you posted the first pic of the blond girl, I was like, she looks like Nella. Then, a few pics later you mentioned that someone told you that would be Nella one day! -Cute and cute go together!

Thank you for a wonderful post. I know EXACTLY what you mean. Last Dec was my daughters first concert with Dancing Hearts. Dancing Hearts has two dance classes – one for children with disability 5-11 and the other for adults. The concert combined them and indeed the adults and the kids shared the stage for the finale. It was awesome, and I cried and laughed – the love in that room from the dancers but especially from their families who were so proud and happy was awesome and the dancing was fantastic! This year my daughter is so excited cos she knows how much fun the end of year concert is going to be – and so is her ‘typical’ twin brother cos he has joined the class too…I hope one day he will lead others into engaging with some of the very special people he has met because his sister happens to have an extra chromosome. Hope next week is as great for you Kelle

Wow! Such joy. Such love. My heart feels like it might burst. I needed to see something uplifting today. I needed a reminder to get over myself and dance with humankind, with human kindness. Thank you.

I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and often get tears at your words and photos.

But this post? Oh my how I’m still blubbering looking at those photos. I used to work with adults just like these in your photos. Now I work with kids. And since the very beginning I have been reminded how much I need to step back and just love living the way my clients do. I envy how free and uninhibited they are – you’ve captured that beautifully in your photos.

I think back to reading Nella’s birth story and the agony you first felt about having an unexpected challenge in your life. I hope you see how lucky you are. If Nella has been born the way you expected, you might not have experienced love and beauty quite as pure as you see it now.

Before I could even get to the end of this post, I was reflecting on a life changing experience that I had in October. I volunteered at my church, Southeast Christian in Louisville, Ky, at Shine, to assist in hair and make up. I met the most beautiful people and I had the time of my life. Thank you for such beautiful posts…

My sister goes to dances like this all the time. I’m so thankful that she lives in a community that is so supportive of people like her. The amount of dancing that happens…wow. I’m exhausted by the end of the night just watching them. And I absolutely agree…that extra 21st is 95% dance moves.

That shine video is the best thing I have watched in a very long time. I want my kids to understand and believe in this genuine kindness. The young organizers of this event blow my mind. Thanks for sharing, its very motivating on more then one level.

I am a Christian. Since becoming disabled (due to a brain tumor), my children and I have learned that our local parish was … Not prepared, shall we say. It’s been hard. We have forged a new path, in a new parish. God is good.

I love how you write, I love how unafraid you are to grow. We need more peopole like you Kelle.

Well I was going to post a comment on how your words mixed with your pictures have this wonderful dance between them that make me smile while crying. Its a gift, for that I am sure. Then you post that last photo and all I am is a puddle. What people find here is inspiration and hope and for that, I will forever be grateful.

Your pictures and the Shine video made me cry, too. At the annual conference for my daughter’s (rare) disability, the concluding banquet and dance is the most joy-filled highlight. A generation ago, these kids would not have survived infancy or childhood, so I’m thinking that there will be more adult opportunities and events out there, when our girls grow up. Hoping and working toward that goal!

I am pretty sure all my makup has run down my face from all the happy tears this post made me cry. My co-workers 30 year old daughter attends these dances several times a year and they mean so much to her.

Love this post and seeing what others are doing for persons with special needs. I teach preschoolers with special needs during the work week and a class for adults with special needs at church. Last weekend we had a Valentine party at my house that was a blast!! http://mommystreasures.blogspot.com/2012/02/valentine-party-fun.htmlWe really are all more alike than we are different!!

So much fun being had at that dance, it just oozes out of the pictures. No wall flowers there and I just treasure that there is not one person in one picture that is eyeing anyone up as is the case at a lot of dances. I wish there was a video to see all the dancing. Glad that you got to go and shake your groove thing.

The final photo is precious, the way that Nella is so gently caressing your face. Momma daughter love it’s a wonderful thing.

I’ve been reading your blog for a long time but have never commented. But I had to say that the last photo of you and Nella literally made me cry. The emotion is so incredibly beautiful, the love between you two, it took my breath away.

The first time I met a person with Down Syndrome I was 15 years old and volunteering at a summer program at the San Diego Zoo. A group of students with DS attended the program. One of them was named Joe and he told me he liked the way I smelled. I’ve never forgotten the cologne (Muguet des Bois), the compliment or Joe.

When I read your entries I always cry. Typically it’s over a mom post, reminding me why I cherish every.single.moment with my son. But posts like these, these remind me why I was blessed to work with children with special needs, not special needs children. Everyday was a gift… thank you for reminding me why I chose what I did, and for missing what I have left behind. Your soul is beautiful.

wish I could have been there! We have a young man in our church with Ds who lives to sing in the choir and help with communion and any other thing he can find to do there. I have always smiled every Sunday morning watching him sing with such joy. The Sunday after my Reagan was born I still smiled through my tears because I could see them standing up there together someday. And he loves her too!

You can just see the love in that room. I want to be there so bad. It’s beautiful. And I love your comment about how they care about things that matter, and don’t care about the things that don’t. It’s so true.

I love this post!!! I worked with adults with special needs for 9 years and you are so right, there is just not enough programs or help for the adults. When people turn 21, it is amazing how the help goes away. The dance was beautiful. The picture of you and Nella is amazing. Your love for each other shines through loud and clear in that picture. The look on her face is beautiful. As usual, love your post. I am so excited to read your book, I already pre-ordered it. ~Kimmy

I could not agree with you more! I’m enrolled in a govt. training program called Partners on Policymaking that is teaching us all about making life wonderful for the differently abled. I know they have them in FL, you should look into it!

What a wonderful opportunity. As a Speech Therapist, I work with many children who are differently-abled and I am always touched by these stories. I am just in awe of the love! I hope many people read this post and are inspired to do something like this! What a difference it makes to these angels!

Oh Kelle, These pictures are amazing. They all look like they were having such a great time. I could not believe when I continued to read down your blog that I thought the same as you said that the young girl in the red outfit could be Nella in a few years. I thought the same thing she was so cute and blonde and was dressed just like I could picture Nella being dressed for her Special Dance Party.. SO cute . WHata awesome post. Thank you for making my day.

That Shine video brought tears to my eyes. I wish I could be part of something like that!!

Last night my husband and I were at Disneyland for our date night, and we were listening to a band that was playing tons of rock music. Up walked this young man with that beautiful extra chromosome and he didn’t waste any time- he started to get down. He had the best time and you’re right about that dance gene!! He was so much fun to watch and he didn’t have a care in the world. He didn’t care who was watching him, he just danced with all he had in him. So inspiring. Why do I care who’s watching me?

Oh my goodness, I was thinking that same thing…that the adorable gal in the orange top, dancing up a storm will totally be Nella! You can feel it through the pictures…Nella’s going to be a firecracker just like her.I loved this post…it made me smile, gave me goosies and a lump in my throat all at once. Life is hard, but they are forgetting about all of that for one night, and just living. I love it.

Thank you for sharing and reminding me that some things just don’t matter, and some things do!The genuine smiles and enjoyment on the faces – wow. I am going to find that today – I’m going to give a genuine smile and then i am going to dance with no inhibitions!Thank you again –

I just started reading your blog. Don’t remember how I found it but I started with Nella’s birth.

I must say you are such an inspiration. The way you have grown and learned, how you are honest about being sad about her have Down’s Syndrome is truly amazing. You have accepted her wholeheartedly and she (both of your girls) are beautiful.

I’m honored that you share your life with us. I hope I learn a lot from you.

I to have a special place in my heart for differently disabled adults(my niece turned 18 last fall) and support from the community is so important. I Love the picture of you and Nella. It is truly priceless.

The link to the shine video. Is this Church in Colorado? If so it is so close to where I live and I think this would be so awesome to be a part of! What an amazing event you can just see the love and happiness radiating off all of their beautiful faces!

Thank you for sharing the photos of the amazing dance. I am sure Nella will one day be out there smiling and dancing her feet off like that beautiful young girl. The last photo of the two of you is wonderful. I hope Brett framed it for his desk 😉

That was beautiful… and such a good reminder to remember not just the children with special needs, but the adults they grow up to be as well. ps. that last picture was also my favourite this week. LOVE!

I loved all your dance pics… in college I went to several of these dances as a member of my university’s different abilities volunteer group. Since my little sister was born with that special extra chromosome… I feel blessed to know this world in ways that others do not.

Were are all these people? I feel like pre-Fiona, I never noticed anyone around here with Down syndrome. I just want to shake my old self and say “get your head out of the selfish hole you keep it in!” The last picture is breathtaking- a treasured one for sure. Im totally in in helping putting together a Shine event around here

I help with a special art groups for disabled adults in our community. My aunt sings in the choir….the make your eyes water and heart swell up in pride when she sings a solo type singing. It’s one of the coolest things in our community! I love that you are encouraging people to get involved! You are helping to facilitate such change! I admire you.

Oh, this post makes my heart swell with happiness. How amazing, Kelle. Thank you for opening me up to a world I always knew existed, but I never realized how much it is the same… I was too focused on how it was different. You are remarkable.

How fun! I had the privilege of working as a teacher assistant with teenagers with special needs one year at our high school. I can tell you that I only assisted, they taught. I cherish the memories and photos from our prom…what a blast!

I love this post- so sweet and that pic of you and nella is awesome- I love when my two year cups my face its so sweet- its easy to see that nella thinks you hung the moon, she knows you are her biggest fan!

I wish every single person could read this post, it is EXAXTLY what I want the world to know about my child as well! Beautifully written, thank you SO MUCH for your inspiration, kindness, and momentum to make this world a more beautiful place for every individual!

You’re right about the dancing gene! The Kansas City Down Syndrome Guild Prom is my brother’s favorite day of the YEAR…every year. And I sneak in, like a super spy sister, every year to watch his moves from afar. Man, he can dance. It makes my heart sing!

I cried during this entire video. Not just a few drops in each corner- I mean streaming tears. I have been reading your blog since my daughter, Elina, was born in July. Your bright rays of hope traveled all the way from Florida into my heart at a very dark and unstable time. Now I cannot imagine a more beautiful life for myself. Thank you.

Absolutely beautiful! One of my best friends has a young sister with DS, and she’s been working hard lately to include her in more activities like this dance, and they invited me to tag along to the next one. I’m so excited to be a part of it and to shake my booty with everyone! 😉

One of the best parties I’ve ever been to was at Pathfinder Village, a community in Cooperstown NY for adults with down syndrome. They have a concert and live band every saturday night during the summers… it is the BEST party around.

I so understand your feelings…I have the same ones. The joy of the little one you have right now, and the excitement for her triumphs. But, there is still the fear and the unknown of the future with Ds. I see many adults with Ds and it warms my heart, but I also see others that bring the sadness. I have to remind myself that the same is true for my other daughter, as for Lainey as well…we don’t know what the future holds for them anymore than for our little ones. The girl in the photo at the dance was beautiful, can’t wait to see my little blondie all grown up (1 yr in 3 more months).

What a great event. And I LOVED that last photo the first time you posted it and I still love it. What a great shot of a mom and her girl. And I really might have to take advantage of that sale. I Love those rings.

LOVE shining in every picture!! I’ve smiled through every second of reading and looking.

When we lived in the South, I used to participate a lot in the Special Olympics events, and would hope that a dance floor would still have room for a Granny lady who hasn’t seen her waistline since 1986, has eight GRANDS and a GREAT, and can still CUT A RUG!

I LOVED the video and it brought back MANY, MANY memories of my summers at Camp ASCCA (Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults). I began working at ASCCA the summer of 1999, I was 14 years old- I did not want to go work, but after being urged by my parents to just try it, for one week, I feel.IN.LOVE! I continued to work for 7 more summers and often go back to visit. We hold a prom every summer for Teen Week and the campers get all dressed up, the lunch room is tranformed and the campers and counselors dance the night away.

I met many different people while working at ASCCA, one of who is now my husband, I also had one of my former campers in my wedding because we became so close throughout the summers. It is definitely an experience that I will NEVER forget and it even shaped my career, I am now a special education teacher and I make sure that at least one of my students every year gets to attend this wonderful place.

This is beautiful! I used to work at a bank and my fav client worked across the street as a bagger at Kroger and he had that special extra chromosome. We always had the radio on and he would dance the entire time i waited on him. He made my day!

LOVED the dance, made me cry. I totally believe the extra chromosome makes you dance more too!! I also love Melody’s stuff she is friends with a friend of mine here in SC, she is really excited to be a sponsor!

Kellie,every week I come here and spend time reading your weeks posts. Drawn in by the beautiful images and the generous sharing of your life, and your little angels. Sometimes I cry ( usually happy tears) today is one of those days. This dance is wonderful. The love, the love, it is everywhere. In your words, in those beautiful faces, in every photograph. Hugs ♥

I love to come here and read about your life and how the girls are doing. After a day like today, the blog really saved my sanity. My son, who is autistic, was also just diagnosed with epilepsy. Even though I know it can be managed, I still had to take a moment to, yet again, grieve for him and me. Your blog helps me cope in so many ways and I just wanted to let you know. Thanks.

I volunteered with the Utah Special Olympics for 5 years. Loved every second. At each event they have a dance, and I agree, adults with disabilities DO know how to dance! There is nothing that touches my heart more than the Special Olympics programs and how they foster self-confidence and pride

I cannot imagine the emotion surging through your body while you were on that dance floor. I am NOT much of a crier and started welling up as soon as I saw that first picture of you in it because I knew. I knew the mixture of happy and sad that must’ve been so strong at that moment. I. LOVE. YOU. I love you for rocking this. I love you for making me feel like I can rock this. And I love your way of expressing yourself through your canvas, your blog.

Hmmm…a dance is special no matter the age or person… Your photos remind me of that. Wish we had more dances scheduled as married adults. I follow you on IG and that is, by far, my favorite of you and Nella. A perfect depiction of love. G’night.

No matter what you write, I always, always seem to find myself shedding a few tears – be they from something positive or b/c you’ve hit upon something sad for me – I love your words, but gosh woman, could you please stop making me cry!! I work in the field of exceptional education & how I wish more people used the term “differently abled” – it’s such a better description than “disabled” & it frames everything in a much more productive light. Keep fighting the good fight so those of us in the field have a champion. & that picture of you & Nella, your favorite – melts my heart … she’s such a beauty!

This is the first I’ve checked Nella’s fund in a bit. Congratulations on meeting your goal! A great friend of mine has a sister in her 30’s with DS and this post made me think of how much she would have LOVED to be able to be a part of this event. She’s quite the dancer herself! Great pictures/post! Thanks for sharing!! :o)

oh man, that last photo? deserves a frame! I have already added so many of melody’s cowls and other wonderful things to my favourites list. Might be the perfect opportunity to splurge! What an amazing post! Never disappointed in this corner of the www!

As i saw the pictures of that beautiful girl in the coral shirt and blue skirt i thought that same thing “that will be nella” all beautiful, happy and smiling. even just through pictures she captivated me quickly.

I hope everyone finds a cause and takes time and effort into supporting it, encouraging it, moving it forward. For me it is similar to yours, only for individuals with mental illness. I battle it in my work (as a social worker) and in my personal life. Trying to break down stereotypes and long held (negative) perceptions that people have when they hear the words “BiPolar Disorder” or “Schizophrenia”

That last shot s INSANE!! What a treasure. You inspire me in so many ways but I’m most thankful for you letting us see you IN pictures with your kids and having fun WITH them. I’m good at creating fun for my kids but seldom slow down e nough to get in there and enjoy with them. I love when women let God turn their pain into passion. We tried forever to get pregnant. I spent years devastated and crying. Then god gave me a random interaction with a child in foster care and I physically felt the spark of my passion for them. Thank you for calling people to act on what’s snide of them.

I’ve been religiously reading your blog for several months now and have yet to leave a comment!! Today’s the day!This post was beautiful. As I was scrolling down the page and saw the first picture of the beautiful girl in the coral tank, I stopped to just look at her face and thought to myself, “oh my gosh, that looks like Nella.” Then I scrolled down a bit more and saw the caption: “That will be Nella.” I guess I wasn’t the only one that saw it

Your blog has inspired me in more ways than one. First, I bought me a real camera!! I want to capture beautiful (non-blurry) pictures of my almost 8 month old son! Second, I’ve started a photo book of his first year and I LOVE IT. Thirdly, I’m striving to spend time with him creatively, in ways that make memories last. Fourthly, to be grateful for life! And spice up the everyday!

Thank you so much for blogging!! I’ve started a blog as well…check it out if you’d like (the little boy with chubby cheeks in every post will make you smile, promise)

ive been apart of the moment “when they knew we were different” too. in high school a girl in my class smarted off and then informed the whole room that she wasn’t staying in a room with(im going to use her word) and pointed to the children with the extra chromosome. the look on their face broke my heart, they knew right then and there they were different and i hated it. i stood up in a room full of people and informed her that we are all the same, they have more love for life then we do. we left with a teacher for the outburst and both got in school detention for a class prd for causing a scene. lets just say i had several people come up and thank me for that b/c they, like me , had someone like them in their family and they understand just how special they are. however i didn’t do it to be thanked, i did it b/c thats what’s right. they aren’t different if anything they are better. i see lainey standing up and saying that no matter what people might say. she is a great big sister and she loves nella more then anything. you can just tell in all your pictures.

as i totally agree that will be nella on the dance floor like that other little girl. i can just see it. i just hope you will still have this blog to show the world her amazing dance moves.

Two of my favorite work days throughout the year are our annual client Christmas Party and Summer Picnic. Seeing people come together from all walks of life under one roof to have fun and not giving a damn what others think puts a smile on my face at each party. What a nice reminder to take life less serious and to PARTY!

I’ve been reading your blog religiously for a few months now and I have yet to leave a comment!Today is the day!

This post was beautiful. As I was scrolling down I saw the picture of the beautiful girl in the coral tank. I stopped scrolling, just looking at her face, and thought to myself, ‘Oh my gosh. That’s what Nella will look like in 15 years!’ Then I kept scrolling and saw the caption, “That will be Nella.” I guess I wasn’t the only one that thought that!

Your blog has inspired me in so many ways!! I’ve started my own blog (www.myeverydayadventure.com)! I bought myself a good camera – so I can take beautiful (non-blurry) pictures of my 8 month old son! I started a photo book of his first year and I LOVE IT! I try to spend time with him creatively, making memories that last. And I’m trying to enjoy life more, seeing the beauty in it all and spicing up the everyday! Thanks so much for blogging!! Can’t wait to read your book too!

p.s. if you check out my blog, the chubby cheeked baby boy will make you smile…promise.

The last picture of you and Nella is beautiful! This post is beautiful! I was involved in so much in high school, and since having kids I know that I need to get involved a bit more. We’ve done walks, but I would love to be involved elsewhere.

Thank you for raising the awareness of groups like these that not only support children but adults as well.

I worked as a nurse at a facility for adults with physical and mental disabilities.. and I totally agree with you, more people need to see that. See the fun they have, see how They don’t care what eachother can and can’t do. And those extra chromosomes are definitely dance chromosomes!

Lord have mercy–the joy-filled tears be flowin’.Words always escape me when it comes time to write my comment, & so I end up propelling out some banter that does not reflect the joy in my heart & the quenching of my spirit that your posts can often provide. But this post? So very many joy-filled tears. Lord have mercy, could she ever dance. Nella’s little hands cupping your face. The tears!Beautiful. Bless you.

We have an organization here called Heart Strings. It is for developmentally disabled adults to have the opportunity to be helpful in society. One of the programs is to sell goodies in office buildings. They come every Monday and sell me breakfast on a cart! It really brightens up my Monday! And I love knowing that I’m contributing to a great organization.

My sister and brother-in-law are really involved in the Special Olympics in Michigan. My husband and I went up to Traverse City last weekend to take part in the festivities, and it was so inspiring and fun. And your comment about that extra chromosome holding dance skills? So right on – the closing ceremonies ended with a giant dance party and we were blown away by the moves we saw! As always, love your pictures and your blog!

LOve that picture of you and Nella. It’s one of those moments that you aren’t sure what she is going to do. So much happiness in that little girl of yours.Sweet post. I can see why you would cry and be happy at the same time.The Nella girl is adorable. I can see that will be Nella someday.My son is challenged. These kids/adults are so loving and just seem to enjoy life. It is so much fun seeing the pictures of them having fun.

I’m new to your blog, Kelle, coming from Beth’s after watching your video and book trailer. I am thrilled and inspired by your posts.

I’m sure you probably are familiar with special needs blogger and writer Judy Winter (judywinter.com) whose book Breakthrough Parenting with Special Needs chronicles her life with her son Eric and founder of a music camp for kids with special needs at Michigan State University. Her blog highlights the wonderful achievements of special needs families. You two sound made for each other, with a similar mission based on a life filled with both great change and great joy.

My husband’s mother use to volunteer at dances just like this when he was younger and she use to bring him along, and he loved LOVED dancing there. He’s told me about it a few times since we’ve married and they were all fond memories. Maybe when Lanie is older she can go too, I know she will have an amazing time!

I love reading your posts each week and the pics just make my day. I made it all the way through this post without shedding a tear and then the last pic just had tears streaming down my face. That pic doesn’t need words. Beautiful

LOVED this post! I worked w/older adults w/drastically different abilities for several years and some of my favorite memories are the dances- those folks could dance like no other! So much fun!! Thanks for this!

Shine 2010 is INCREDIBLE! I love what they have done for their community. I also love that there are some churches willing to step out of what is “normal” to take a stand for Christ who loves all people! What a ministry that are having for that community! Thanks for sharing!

Kelle- I am SUCH A fan of that video! As a member of a local church who feels the same way about making ALL feel SPECIAL as God intended it to be, i am taking this to the board with HIGH hopes of pulling off an INCREDIBLE NIGHT sometime soon in our community! Thankful for you & your words!

I love what you do Kelle Hampton- your passion and LOVE for life and making us aware of the beauty that lies in corners of our world that are too often forgotten. What a beautiful, pure and magical post. I read it out loud to my boys…and listening to my voice speak your words for my children to hear, brought your message to a deeper part in my heart & soul. (Your next book must be a children’s book!!!)I admire that you speak so raw, so honest. I know that you will continue to ROCK this out…you are raising the roof to new heights. I pray that you continue to fuel the passion in all of us to raise roofs everywhere!!The Shine video was incredible. I will quote you here because it is exactly how I felt watching it: “I cried because I was happy, I cried because I am still learning, I cried because my emotions can’t contain that kind of awesome…” there is such beauty in the corners of our world that we need to celebrate!!!

God Bless you Kelle…oh yes – that last photo – Little Ms. Nella is gulping up your love- I can feel how it makes your heart hurt so good!! A heaven moment!!

I wouldn’t be surprised if someone mentioned this already, but this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vj9JuAHYaig)video is definitely worth watching too (God’s prom). I touches my heart so, I always feel so honored to be in the presence of people whose hearts are so true.

oh, my word…again and again you amaze, surprise me, tickle me with joy and show me the best we can be. I am going to look for opportunities when I get back to Miami. I am in Va. visiting grand girls who will accompany me to dance with many people!

What a beautiful post. Looks like everyone had a great time! And wow that picture of the girl with the orange shirt and black skirt…i was looking at her thinking that’s gonna be Nella and I looked down and read it and it said the same thing. It’s like a glimps into the future for her!

Beautiful. This post made me cry happy (and sad) tears. My brother works with One Step Beyond in Phoenix, AZ and absolutely adores his job with the adults in the program. Makes me feel so proud and also makes me want to get involved in some way, myself. Thansk for sharing your beautiful life – I love your blog!

Beautiful. This post made me cry happy (and sad) tears. My brother works with One Step Beyond in Phoenix, AZ and absolutely adores his job with the adults in the program. Makes me feel so proud and also makes me want to get involved in some way, myself. Thansk for sharing your beautiful life – I love your blog!

As I was looking at the pictures and before I read your words, the girl in the peach shirt and black skirt stood out to me. I stopped and took a little longer to look at her. She looked happy and so beautiful. My thoughts were, “That’s going to be Nella one day.” And then I read your words. It made my heart smile. <3

As I read through this post, I kept thinking about an event my church had a few years back, and then there you go and put a link to it! I grew up going to Flatirons, and Shine completely changed our community. I am glad your community recognizes what joy there is in dancing with some of the best dancers there are! Positively beautiful, Kelle.

What a wonderful event. I think you’re right, support groups for adults with special needs are fairly thin on the ground, if anything they may need more support then.I know with your heart to see not only your Nella given all the same opportunities as other children, but other special needs children as well, that the drive to make people look past our perceived differences will follow you through your whole life.

How fun! My mother in law works at a school for special needs children. On Valentines Day I took my girls (ages 5 and 2) to the school she works at, they were having a Valentines dance. My girls had soo much fun and I love being able to teach them that although everyone looks different, we all love the same things, like dancing, singing and having fun! It’s a great opportunity

You never cease to amaze me or make me cry. I love that you are so honest on what you write. You deal with an unknown of your beautiful daugther. I deal with an unknown of a husband who is a soldier. I know that they are two different things, but all together we are in the same boat. My heart has now been pushed to do something. I want to thank you very much for that push. You are awesome.

This post was especially near & dear to my heart! I work for a company who, among the many services they offer have group homes in 13 counties in PA. I’ve worked for them since I was 18 and am now 25 The one thing that the particular ladies I work with always look forward to is “Coffee house” now another agency hosts this event every 1st and 3rd Thursday every month and while there is NO coffee actually involved there is a DJ, a disco ball and lite snacks. This dance lasts an hour and a half and to see everyone mingle and dance and just have a FANTASTIC time always makes me smile. No one cares how you dance or judges your style it’s all about the fun!

This post borught so many tears to my eyes!!! Happy tears!! Thank you, thank you for always reminding that life is what you make of it. To appreciate the little things and to be kind to each other!!! I will for sure be looking into what things we can volunteer and I say we because I would like to teach my boys the importance of volunteering.

Oh Kelle…beautiful post and beautiful honest words and thoughts. Everything you said rings so much truth to me…I know exactly what you felt. I felt the same way I attended an event for adults with different abilities- so much to learn and celebrate but still those short moments of sadness- I understand. Thank you for this post. xo

My friend and her husband are considering adopting the most precious little boy who happens to have that chromosome with extra magic dancing powers:) I sent her the link to your blog and she was encouraged by it. Keep doing what you do Kelle; you are changing perspectives and enriching lives through your blog!

Love, love, love this post! Having attended numerous dances for adults with a whole range of abilities, I can attest there is a dance gene there, and I think it starts with the truest of joys. It’s something I am continually humbled by and trying to learn. Keep dancing…

Welcome to my world…it’s a good place when people with DS are around, isn’t it? as of yesterday’s date (2/18/12), I’ve been a Vocational Rehab counselor for 14 years – more than 1/3 of my life – and I wish ALL of my Clients had DS because they are the BEST people to be around. that dance looked like a BLAST and I can’t wait to see what Nella does for the world when she grows up. never doubt for a SECOND that you were meant to be her Mom, because you WERE. and ARE. love ya lots, thanks always for your great posts. While you’re at it, look up “The Kids of Widney High” and be a groupie like me!

So beautiful. I worked with differently abled adults for many years, went to many dances and parties and I totally hear what you’re saying here. The joy and the sadness. But mostly the joy.I appreciate your honesty in this post and loved it all the way through.

Oh this made me smile. I am part of a band that has a regular booking for the Idea Services (New Zealand Organsiation for people with wide ranging ability issues) ball. We play covers, teach different dances and have the time of our lives. It is hands down the best night of our year, we laugh together, cry together and enjoy music together. I have learnt the best dance moves, all about love that breaches all differences and how music brings everyone on to the dance floor. counting down the days till the ball, and your post makes me so excited for it! Gorgeous photo of you and nella at the end.

Thank you thank you thank you Kelle! For feeling and sharing because these moments happen and they are important to all of us! Love love love! and you rock it girl! I plan to do the same damn thing! Rock it out!!!!Love Katie5boysand1girlmake6.blogspot.com

glad to hear you want to help raise funds for groups like these. Often these are the groups that suffer with funding , all the money raised for these groups goes straight to the people that participate in the groups. you will certainly help make more fun things happen for this group..you go kelle… you brightened my day with this post=) God bless you..

This whole post made my heart melt! The beautiful woman that you said could dance had the cutest outfit on. Seriously… where did she get that skirt? Your posts always remind me to count my blessings. You have such an incredible and inspiring story! We all meed an attitude like yours. Loved this.

Kelle, I absolutely love your blog. I’ve shared it with so many since stumbling upon it. What you are doing is amazing. You open my eyes wider every time I read your entries. I adore you as a mother, a writer and a photographer. If I were to win, use my gift certificate at the center where the dance was held. I would love for that to happen xo

Beautiful post, when I saw that girl I thought in my head that will be Nella and then I scrolled down and read your comment.That last picture is so beautiful, you should frame it in a double frame along with the birth picture of you toasting and add the words “How you tought me so much!”

I just had to comment. I work in South Arkansas at a nonprofit sheltered workshop. We have a valentine’s dance; just like this one; that we sponsor and other centers attend. Hands down the BEST! Working with dev. delayed people is AMAZING!! I can’t wait for the day that others see that we all ARE different. Thank you for this post!!

(great post but what I wanted to say…) I *melted* with jubilation (is that possible?) over that photo the last time you posted it. How incredibly much a slice of your life right now. It is absolutely precious!

Beautiful feature. Loving the Friday photo dump. Nella is more stylish at the age of 2 than I have ever been! That last photo of the 2 of you together is nothing next to pure awesomeness! The love is palpable.

I’ll never forget the first time I went to Camp Daniel, a camp for people with disabilities. I walked away from that week with acceptance and love, in it’s truest and purest form. It was life changing. That was 9 years ago. I have been involved ever since. I have been living at Camp Daniel for the last 2 1/2 yrs because it was so right.

We put on a big dance last May for people with disabilities up here in Green Bay, WI. It was awesome! You’re right, dancing is a part of their DNA. Dancing is a part of their culture. I can’t wait for the next one!

I had chills throughout. Your statement “I cried because I knew that he felt we were different. And I wanted to tell him we really weren’t” is really touching. Everyone looked like they were having a wonderful time, that’s so awesome. And that last photo of you and Nella, oh my gosh- my heart melted. It could not be any more perfect.

That is easily one of the best lines I have ever read. I had the pleasure of working with “Best Buddies” and the parties were very similar to the one you described. Great photos too. And that last one of Nella is awesome.

I somehow missed this post Friday, and I never miss your posts. I really needed to read this today, so it must have been for good reason that I missed it Friday. I cried happy and sad tears. Thank you for the sweet post!

Thank you for this post. It was lovely to see the love. I can’t comprehend how the feelings of mothers like yourself and so many others, would swing. Mine travel many a mile when thinking about the future for my girls and they would be considered “normal”. I am so thankful to see the love and to learn from it. Thank you for your honesty, for opening your heart to us.

I’ll say it again, Kelle, You are such an inspiration in my life, to be a better mother, wife, daughter and friend to all. Thank you for this blog, a true eye opener to be grateful for what we have, no matter what it is – that our children are blessings despite thier differences and that life is what you make of it, and we need to make it fun, full of love, compassion and DANCING!! I surely will be following your blog FOREVER, as long as you will allow us to. Wish I could pre-order 1000 copies of ‘bloom’ so that I could spread your word to everyone I know, and get the opportunity to meet you. While the photo session itself is luring, time with you seems what is the best win in that situation. xo Alexa Bucz

Just wanted to say I don’t read many blogs but I absolutely LOVE coming to your blog. I can relate so much to you about loving life and soaking it up and ‘enjoying the small things’. Every. Single. Time. I come to your blog I’m reminded of the beauty of life and ALWAYS walk away feeling like I got a breath of fresh air. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

The last picture is amazing. I love it. I never went to prom , it is hard to be left out of an experience like that, I loved the video and thing it is a great thing. Everyone deserves to have these great memories and to experience things we are all humans and we all unique in our own ways. It is great to celebrate everyone.

This is a wonderfully strong post! You tackled the issue of acceptance of differently abled adults with the same zest and enthusiasm that you approach all of the fun and beautiful things in your life. You are doing so much for the special needs community. Thanks.

I cannot get over the photos. You have captured the spirit… SPIRIT… of those with downs syndrome so well. They are just plain happy!

I just wanted to share with you that my cousin with DS has had a MUCH MORE fulfilling life than I ever could dream of. She has been travelling around the world… she has sat with the senate to pass a bill against the use of the word “retard” she has given talks, she has had jobs and her own apartments. She has basically lived a very good full life that I am envious of. But my envy disappears the second she looks at me and smiles and gives me a hug. She so deserves the best in the world… simply because of her spirit.

It’s amazing how your blog makes me want to go home and just love on my little Marlee! She’s only 5 months younger than Nella and I get so excited to learn about Nella’s big (and little) moments because I know Marlee has them too! And I just love them!

Kelle, my heart tell me we are supposed to know one another in some way, form a friendship or collaborate on a project, or write, or or or? I deeply appreciate and resonate with your perspectives on seizing up this life and giving it one giant bear hug. It is clear you live with passion and intention, and you are making a DIFFERENCE in this world, girl! In the lives of the community members around you, and in the lives of your two precious little girls. You are brave and beautiful.

My name is Rae and I too am a writer, a dreamer, an artist, and a new mama of a little man with Down syndrome- Everest! He is my baby dreamboat. We feel incredibly blessed and honored to know him– how is it possible for this much love to be packed into one body!?

Thank you for being you and for putting yourself and your story out there. I’d love to talk with you more. God bless- Rae

“I’m going to find more ways to be kind and to teach my children to be kind, and I am going to ask others to help me do it. I’m going to fight for my kids equally, and I’m going to stop and take time to teach them to have fun. To never stop dancing and loving life, no matter what the rest of the world does around them.”

THIS, again and again and again. Sometimes a thought just grabs you and holds on, im so glad that today this is the one that got me!

“I’m going to find more ways to be kind and to teach my children to be kind, and I am going to ask others to help me do it. I’m going to fight for my kids equally, and I’m going to stop and take time to teach them to have fun. To never stop dancing and loving life, no matter what the rest of the world does around them.”

THIS, again and again and again. Sometimes a thought just grabs you and holds on, im so glad that today this is the one that got me!

This post made me ball my eyes out. I feel sad and happy at the same time and it made me think so much of my brother.

He is 20 and attends every basketball game. The kids always invite him to come sit with them, and they think he’s hilarious. Not because of his DS, but because he is a regular class clown.

One of the basketball players is a buddy in his class and felt bad when his birthday came and they hadn’t planned anything special. So he put together a surprise birthday party for my brother at the local bowling alley. 20 kids came all without disabilities, all friends with my brother. They wore party hats and had a kings hat for him. They got him a special birthday cake, balloons, and gifts. And to top it all off, the basketball team invited my brother to attend their end of year banquet as their number 1 fan.

It just makes my heart burst! There IS good in this world Thanks for continuing to raise awareness and make a difference in this community <3

Hi, I read your post and usually don’t comment but your post about the Valentine’s Dance really touched me. My son has an extra chromosome too, but it’s invisible and if I hadn’t had prenatal testing I would have never known. The impact is not outwardly physical but he may face all kinds of challenges, including not being able to have children of his own. I agree with you, you have to stop and take it all in, you have to allow yourself to be sad, hopeful, mad, happy and ultimately just love this amazing soul that you gave life to. You’re an inspiration and I greatly respect you and admire your perspective. Thanks for your beautiful words and images and for being so candid. Not many people have that kind of courage.

I hate it when the post I really want to comment on is one of those “comment to win” posts… they always get swamped with comments.

Kelle, I just wanted to say that one of my oldest friends was born with a disability so I’ve been invited to various dances and events like these for years. Which is what made me initially so repulsed by your blog… like thousands of others I was linked to Nella’s birth story and although it is a very honest and emotional post and I can see it now as something special… at the time I saw it as someone grieving that “the disabled baby ruined the party”

I’m glad I had a poke around and read some other posts because i actually think we’re very similar with almost identical outlooks on life… the main difference being that I was brought up surrounded by happy, successful, valued people with disabilities whereas your exposure seems to have been different and brought about fear.

A lot of the fears are valid and normal… but I wanted to reassure you that all kids have good days, bad days, all kids get bullied or laughed at sometimes and all kids get to have lifelong friendships, relationships, experience love, happiness, music and dancing.

love this post!! I worked at a summer camp that has a week dedicated to working with special needs adults (age 16+). Every wednesday during that week, we host a dance for them. It is probably their favorite night of the week (if not their year) and definitely a summer favorite among staffers as well. i know exactly what you mean when you say that extra 23rd chromosome has some dance moves attached (www.pecometh.org is my camp if anyone is wondering)

I’ve been working with differently abled people for the past 12 years and in my job, I work to get individuals and their families to see what potential they have to work and have a career when they are done with school just like anyone else. With that means that there are high expectations that they are able people, and in part, those expectations means that they are being treated like any other person would be treated. In the work to help build paradigms where differently abled people are treated the same as other people, I forget to see the softer side, where people just let go and have fun. This was a really sweet post.

Oh just wait until Nella is old enough for Special Olympics! There are dances like this all the time, and they’re usually the best part of the whole event. And I totally think you’re right about that extra chromosome having dance genes … we can all learn a lot about loving life by watching those dances.

Gosh! What a sweet post! I need to get more involved. What an amazing time had by all! And taht last picture of you and Nella….be still my heart. That is precious! I love it! I wish someone would take some pictures of me and my boy like this!!!!!

Please support elder and adult day services in washington state.(EADS)..before I became a full time mama and after a graphic design career I worked as a center director there. I absolutely loved it and I will always remember my friends!!!and Yes! Agree on the dance gene!!!!

What a beautiful time. It makes me especially sad, though, as the mom of a teen with autism, mental illness and other issues who, despite average intelligence and being verbally unhindered, has so many learning disabilities and incredible challenges that he cannot function even in a special classroom. The intelligence makes the profound isolation all the more painful to him: he KNOWS how excluded and marginalized and friendless he is. (Yes, of course we, his immediate family are there for him. It is not a substitute for friends and meaningful community. Of course we have worked our butts off to change this, but it’s too much for people.) Unlike those with Downs, he has no obvious physical features that indicate to kind people that their kindness needs to be in the “on” position. Unlike those with Downs, he is not affectionate. (This mama has never once heard “I love you” or been hugged or kissed by her son in 15 years.) I hear a lot from kind-hearted people, “Oh, special needs kids are so wonderful and loving!” and I think, “Does ‘special needs’ only mean Downs to people??” What about those not quite so endearing, at least occasionally? They remain the most marginalized people. “Special needs” programs at our YMCA give people a warm, fuzzy feeling thinking that “they” have their place and our taken care of. Do they know that the programs are only for those with Downs and/ or physical disabilities? Autism and mental illness? No, thank you. Too messy. Too difficult. It hurts.

I am teary, again, after reading this post. Kelle, you’re amazing and all you do is amazing!!! I was born with a birth defect, and it’s so hard for me, even at 31, to feel “normal” so I appreciate all you do in encouraging acceptance of all people. Thanks Kelle!!!! P.S. I love the mama nest ring! So adorable!

This post made my day, and it’s only 10am. As a sister to a young man with autism and a writer with a focus on sharing the stories of adults with special needs who have changed my life, I just LOVE this. Beautiful pictures, gorgeous writing … it’s just stunning. Thank you for sharing your heart, as well as this amazing experience, with us!

Thank you so much for writing this heartfelt post and sharing such a wonderful experience! Adults with different abilities have the most beautiful hearts and souls. :)))

LOVE your previous post too: “…we all have ways in which we both lead and follow” So true. I let my soul be the leader of my life and follow my heart’s wisdom…And, I feel that reviewing our perspectives is necessary as our path in life unfolds and evolves… xox

“One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Soul on deck shines like gold in dark times. The light of the soul throws sparks, can send up flares, builds signal fires, causes proper matters to catch fire. To display the lantern of soul in shadowy times like these-to be fierce and to show mercy toward others; both are acts of immense bravery and greatest necessity.”~Clarissa Pinkola Estes

That picture of you and Nella (your favorite of the week) needs to be blown up and framed for sure. It made me stop in my tracks. If that doesn’t say true love right there, I don’t know what does. LOVE it.

I have been reading your blog since I stumbled on a link someone posted on Facebook. Your posts are inspiring and the love you have for your daughters shines through. Each one of them touches my heart. But this one, about the adult with special needs, touched my soul. My oldest sister has Down Syndrome. She is an amazing human being and we are all better people for having lived around her all our lives. And boy, can she dance…

Thank you for opening your heart and for being moved and telling us. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. And thank you for putting your God given talents to the service of people that very often have no voice.Veronica, from Argentina.

What a great dance and I LOVED the Shine party video. I sober throughout the whole thing because it was so moving and wonderful. I posted it on my Facebook page saying it would be great if parties like that were held annually all over the USA. PARTY ON!

I don’t think I’ve ever commented on your blog, but this post had me smiling from ear to ear! My brother in law is an adult who has down Syndrom. My husband and I for years planned the adult dances and family parties in Houston for the Down Syndrome Association of Houston. My husband’s brother would often fly in for the dances (he lives in a different city) and to see him enjoy himself so much always kept us going back to plan the next event. Now I volunteer with The Center, a residential facility in Houston that serves the adult community with mental disabilities – they allow adults of all abilities a safe place to live and work with freedom and choice that all adults should have – an amazing place! I’m glad you chose to highlight adult down Syndrome in this post! Thanks!

I cannot tell you how happy this post made me. I work in development for a non-profit who provides independent living services for individuals with disabilities and the elderly. I have been racking my brain trying to find a new exciting activity for our youth group and I think a dance/prom is just the ticket. Nothing like this has been done in our rural area and I think it would be incredible.